Busselton - East

Population growth drivers in Busselton - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Busselton - East's population is around 10,323 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 964 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,359 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,027 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 461 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 126 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Busselton - East's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 35.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,755 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 14.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Busselton - East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Busselton - East has experienced around 115 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 576 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 52 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $375,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $40.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Busselton - East records 12.0% less building activity (per person), while it places among the 92nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 69 people per approval, Busselton - East reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Busselton - East will gain 1,459 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Busselton - East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Busselton Health Campus Expansion, Home HQ Busselton, City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, and Brown Street Busselton, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Busselton - East ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Busselton - East features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,385 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.6% of local workers, below Regional WA's 9.3%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.4% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Busselton - East. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Busselton - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Busselton - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,867 with the average level standing at $69,790. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $59,973 and $74,392 across Regional WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,857 (median) and $76,504 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Busselton - East, between the 26th and 31st percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (3,045 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Busselton - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Busselton - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Busselton - East was higher than that of Regional WA, at 37.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (27.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Busselton - East's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Busselton - East has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.3% of all households, comprising 25.2% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Busselton - East fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 59 active transport stops operating within Busselton - East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 341 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1077 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 48 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Busselton - East's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Busselton - East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,564 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 65.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,081 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Busselton - East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Busselton - East was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.5% of its population born in Australia, 87.9% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Busselton - East is Christianity, which makes up 46.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Busselton - East are English, comprising 36.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Busselton - East (vs 0.6% regionally), Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.5%) and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%).

Busselton - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 45 years, Busselton - East's median age is significantly above the Regional WA average of 40 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.0%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (11.4%) than in Regional WA. In the period since 2021, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.1 years to 45 from 46. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.0% to 12.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.2% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 11.9% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 7.7% to 6.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Busselton - East. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 41%, adding 529 residents to reach 1,822. On the other hand, the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.